Lincoln Truck Accident Lawyer
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
A collision with a commercial truck can change your life in an instant. These vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and when something goes wrong on the road, the results are often catastrophic. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Large Truck and Bus crash facts, Nebraska ranks among the states with the highest percentage of large trucks involved in fatal crashes. If you were injured in a truck accident in Lincoln, you deserve experienced legal help as soon as possible.
Knowles Law Firm has been serving injury victims in Nebraska for over 55 years. As a family-owned practice, every attorney here is a member of the Knowles family. That means your case is handled with the kind of personal commitment you won’t find at a large billboard firm. Our Lincoln injury lawyers answer their own phones, return calls promptly, and provide their personal cell phone numbers so you can reach your attorney when it matters most.
Why Are Truck Accident Cases Different From Car Accident Cases?
Truck accidents are legally and factually more involved than standard car accident cases. Commercial trucking is regulated by federal law, and violations of those rules often directly contribute to crashes. Multiple parties may share liability, and the evidence needed to build a strong case must be gathered quickly before it disappears.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Lincoln Truck Accident?
Liability in a truck accident case can extend beyond the driver alone. Depending on the facts, responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver, if fatigue, distracted driving, or speeding contributed to the crash
- The trucking company, if it failed to properly hire, train, or supervise its drivers
- A third-party maintenance company, if a mechanical failure caused or worsened the accident
- A cargo loading company, if improperly secured freight caused the truck to lose control
Identifying every liable party is critical to recovering the full compensation you may be owed. Our attorneys act quickly to preserve key evidence, including electronic data from the truck’s onboard systems, driver logbooks, dashcam footage, and maintenance records.
What Evidence Matters Most in a Lincoln Truck Accident Claim?
Collecting the right evidence early is one of the most important steps in a truck accident case. Commercial trucks are equipped with technology that records critical data, but that information can be overwritten or lost if action isn’t taken fast.
What Types of Evidence Can Support Your Case?
Strong truck accident claims are built on documentation that establishes how the crash happened and who was at fault. Key evidence includes:
- Event data recorder information
- Engine and powertrain control module data
- DOT logbooks showing hours of service
- Dashcam footage
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Your medical records and bills
The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm know how to obtain and protect this evidence so it can be used to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Truck Accident in Lincoln?
The injuries caused by truck accidents are often severe. Victims may suffer broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other life-altering harm. In the most serious cases, families face the devastating loss of a loved one, which may give rise to a wrongful death claim.
Compensation in a truck accident case may cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future lost earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
Nebraska follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you may still recover damages as long as you are not found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident. Our attorneys evaluate every aspect of your losses to pursue a result that reflects the true impact of your injuries.
How Does Distracted Driving Contribute to Truck Accidents?
Driver error is the leading cause of commercial truck accidents. Distracted driving is a major factor, along with driver fatigue, speeding, and impairment. Federal Hours of Service regulations are designed to limit how long a driver can operate a truck without rest, but violations are common. When a trucking company pressures drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, the risk to everyone on the road increases significantly.
If there is evidence that a driver violated federal safety regulations, that information can be powerful in establishing liability. Our team investigates every angle of your case to determine whether negligence by the driver, the company, or both contributed to your accident.
Contact Knowles Law Firm for a Free Lincoln Truck Accident Consultation
Truck accident claims require swift action and thorough preparation. From preserving electronic evidence to identifying every liable party, the steps you take in the days and weeks following a crash can have a significant impact on your case. Knowles Law Firm has the experience and dedication to guide you through this process.
If you were hurt in a truck accident in Lincoln, do not wait to get legal help. Reach out to Knowles Law Firm today by completing our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Our family has been fighting for Nebraska injury victims for over 55 years, and we are here to put that experience to work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions When Hiring a Lincoln Truck Accident Lawyer
What is the statute of limitations for filing truck accident claims?
In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims is typically four years from the date of the accident. This means you have a limited timeframe to initiate legal action to seek fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to file a claim altogether. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure all necessary steps are taken within this period.
How much compensation can I get in a truck accident claim?
The amount of compensation you can receive in a truck accident claim varies based on the specifics of your case. Factors include the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
An attorney can help accurately assess your damages, including future costs and non-economic losses. They will negotiate with insurance adjusters and, if necessary, take your case to trial to pursue the highest possible compensation.
Should I avoid sending recorded statements to insurance companies?
When navigating the insurance claims process, it’s important not to rely on insurance adjusters or representatives from the trucking company. Their goal is to minimize your compensation to protect their own interests. Conversely, a truck accident lawyer is committed to advocating solely for you.
A lawyer is focused on your physical, financial, and emotional recovery. Truck accident attorneys have a legal duty to prioritize their clients’ best interests. You can trust the advice, counsel, and guidance from your attorney.
Furthermore, if your attorney works on a contingency fee basis, they only get paid if you do, providing extra motivation to secure the best outcome for your case.
Can you still pursue an injury claim even if you’re also at fault for the trucking accident in Lincoln?
Yes, you can still pursue an injury claim even if you’re partially at fault for a truck accident in Lincoln. Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of fault determination and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?
Yes, you can sue if you were hit by a truck owned by a big company. In fact, pursuing a claim against a large company can be essential for securing the compensation you need for your injuries and damages.
Trucking companies often have substantial insurance policies and legal teams, making it crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side. A lawyer can help gather evidence, negotiate with the company’s insurance representatives, and, if necessary, take your case to trial to seek the maximum compensation you deserve.
Who Are Possible Liable Parties in a Truck Crash Case?
Trucks are commercial vehicles and are heavily regulated by federal, state, and local governments. These regulations can seem complicated and overwhelming but our experienced attorneys are able to use the regulations to your advantage to prove the truck driver was negligent.
The driver of the commercial truck, their employer, and the owner of the truck equipment or trailer are all parties that could potentially be held liable for an accident.
About Our Attorney
Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner at Knowles Law Firm
Robert has tried cases in both state and federal courts and was selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Less than 1.5 percent of lawyers nationally are selected for this recognition. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating an attorney can obtain. He was also selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer.
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